Fishing For Compliments en découverte sur LRdR Ghosts
Fishing 4 Compliments Bio: Ghosts is taken from their uplifting catchy 'hook-laden' second album due for release 13th September 2025. Fishing 4 Compliments are a quirky Huddersfield-based female fronted indie-folk-pop band which emerged organically around lead singer Eileen’s emotive & enigmatic songs. The songs began to be steadfastly encouraged and brought to life initially by Ashley (rhythm guitarist) who gradually reeled in Jim (lead guitar & backing vocals) and Steve (bass guitar & backing vocals) with all three being part of a 60s band at the time. Jim initially played drums on the songs but made the game changing decision (which was to be pivotal to shaping the band’s unique sound) that he’d like to switch to playing lead guitar. Before joining the band officially Steve had long been in the background supporting the songs and had always been their dream bass player and was also to become the group’s guru of harmonies. All four have long shared a passion for developing and creating a sound they like to call their own which has developed naturally through the eclectic mix of influences from which they draw which include; The Beatles, XTC, Tom Petty, Mark Knopfler, The Cure, The Smiths, The Sundays and The Cranberries, to name but a few. Over the years the four core members of the band have much appreciated times shared with their initial drummer Ben and later David on drums and percussion and his daughter Fenella who has been a brilliant dep drummer/percussionist for the band on many occasions. Beckoning pastures new and changing life circumstances have dictated that for now the Fishing crew continue their journey as a four piece outfit with these three star contributors remaining close to their hearts. The band have been bringing their uplifting sounds to an array of live music venue and pubs, festivals and community events across the North of England and beyond since 2011 and a particularly memorable quote from an audience member is the description of their music as ‘making you feel like dancing in the moonlight.’ Among many Fishing 4 Compliments highlights was the invitation from the owner of the award winning Loafers Vinyl & Coffee (who describes his take on the band below) to be the opening act for their prestigious Christmas folk event headlined by Chris Helme of The Seahorses in the amazing surroundings of a beautiful spiegeltent in The Piece Hall. “Beautiful folk music, with sounds of Fleetwood Mac, The Cranberries and The Cardigans. Dreamy Melodies and harmonies, weaved together with great musicianship and songs that take you away from everyday life. Great band who love playing live and the audience can’t do anything but enjoy it and want to hear more” (Mark Richardson-Owner of Loafers Vinyl & Coffee) Fishing 4 Compliments have also twice been nominated within the category of Outstanding Yorkshire Artist/Band as part of the Yorkshire Gig Guide’s Grassroots Awards in 2018 and 2019 and in 2023 they were runner-up in the Kirklees Year of Music showcase event competition leading to the opportunity to perform as part of the Kirklees Music Cities Forum held at Huddersfield’s newest live music venue, Smile Bar & Venue. The desire to record their songs for posterity led them on a joyful recording journey with their former drummer/percussionist David and their producers Joseph & David Dunwell (of the highly successful Leeds based indie/folk band The Dunwells) and finally to the release of their debut album ‘Off The Isle Of Somewhere’ in April 2020. The album and songs featured enjoyed high praise from reviewers, local and community radio show hosts and audiences alike and also led to a nomination within the category of best Folk/Acoustic Act as part of the Radio Wigwam Awards 2020. The quotations from reviewers at the time also provide further insights into describing the Fishing sound and vibe. “Bright and breezy and at times utterly irresistible’ and “Eleven tracks of upbeat and optimistic folk-pop” (Dave Beech, RGM Magazine). “Light and upbeat folky/pop dominates Off The Isle Of Somewhere by Huddersfield’s FISHING FOR COMPLIMENTS. The sound is somewhere between Fairground Attraction and The Beautiful South. The songs are jaunty and foot tapping..” (RnR Magazine) “F4C specialise in catchy, hook-laden folk/pop songs written by Eileen, which features her clear, natural voice, sometimes with vibrato, which gives the band’s music a distinctive unique sound. Eileen is also a fine songwriter who is able to combine intriguing, personal lyrics with a shiny pop sensibility” (Peter Cowley, FATEA Magazine). “This is a fantastic album of songs that are uplifting and joyful there, moody, rich and evocation here. Songs that are written and played from the heart. Lovely” (Frank, Local Sound Focus)